He jokes "dogsbody" they call him "The Boss".

Friends and family joined him for his last day after 20 years at HRI. And he revealed the answer everyone wants to know: Why are you always so cheerful?

As well as quipping "being away from the wife", he said: " Why be anything else? What's the point?!"

John joined the hospital in A&E in 1996 and moved into X-ray in 1997 and has become a legend in MRI with colleagues and patients alike.  Emotionally, he said he would miss "everybody and everything". It will be really, really strange. It's been a fab, fab job surrounded by people who are out of this world. It has been a pleasure to come into work."

He has no firm plans but hopes to go travelling possibly to Thailand and Vietnam with his wife he has been with for 50 years. He also hopes to work on the bank occasionally and tackle a list of chores at home.

CT and MRI lead,  Michelle Griffiths thanked John for all his hard work over the years.

She said: " John is well known for playing a Brass Bands CD for patients! It's not the favourite tune of many staff, so we wrapped it and gave him it back to keep!. (see main pic)

"He is also renowned for his generosity, frequently giving colleagues his signature pack of Rolos for their journey if going on holiday or other occasion (in fact any event he notoriously gives you a pack of Rolos!) - so we gave him a couple of packs and also his very own Gold Rolo for his next ‘journey’. (see attachments)

They are still collecting for him and any donations would be welcome ahead of his official leaving do at the Wireworks from 5pm on Friday 27th January. If any colleagues would like to come along and join him for a farewell drink they would be very welcome.